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Feed your passion: You'll do that here.

At Southeast you’ll do more than prepare to ace the Registered Dietitian exam, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to make a difference in the field of nutrition. 

The M.S in Applied Nutrition program (MSAN) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) as a Future Education Model, Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics. The FEM-GP standards strive to advance the field of nutrition while keeping public safety a priority.

What You'll Do

The MSAN is an intensive and rewarding 15-month program that prepares graduates to become Registered Dietitians. You'll learn the skills and methods needed to thrive in the field of nutrition through in-depth coursework and field experience: 

  • Complete field experience at established sites, or an approved site of your choice. 
  • Be in contact with faculty and program directors by phone, email, and video conferencing for support while earning your degree. 
  • Access online study material to prepare for the Registered Dietitian credentialing examination. 

What Can You Do with an M.S. in Applied Nutrition?

Southeast’s applied nutrition program  provides you the prerequisite requirements to take the credentialing exam, while preparing you to be a leader in the field. 

Registered Dietitians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals or other healthcare facilities, corporate wellness, community and public health settings, universities and medical centers, private practice, food and nutrition-related business and industries, among others.  

Career Opportunities 

  • Clinical Dietitian
  • Long-Term Care Dietitian
  • Consultant Dietitian
  • Food Service Director
  • Sports Dietitan
  • WIC Nutritionist
  • Nutrition Specialist
  • Wellness Coach
  • Nutrition Researcher

Applied Nutrition Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

Applied Nutrition by the Numbers

  • $69k

    Dietitians and Nutritionists

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists can earn an average of $69,350 annually.

  • 7%

    Projected employment growth through 2029

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of dietitians will grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032.

Applicant Handbook

The Applicant Handbook provides detailed application instructions for all types of applicants, instructions for students who are locating student-identified sites, a program calendar and timeline, program completion requirements, estimated costs, and fees, instructions for obtaining prior learning credit, and the program’s mission, goals, and objectives.

Program Information

  • Multiple supervised experiential learning location options
    • In-person supervised experiential learning in Missouri, Illinois, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Georgia, and Oklahoma.
    • Build a customized experience with our Remote Distance option to complete supervised experiential learning anywhere in the United States.
  • 100% online coursework with in-person supervised experiential learning
    • Complete graduate coursework from anywhere in the United States, while completing your supervised experiential learning hours in person!
    • Guidance and supervision from faculty, capstone project mentors, program directors, and supervised practice preceptors throughout the program.
    • Coursework includes a 12-week course focused on preparation for the RD Exam.
  • 15-month program
    • Begin in May 2024 and become eligible for the RD Exam in August 2025!
    • Graduate with a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition and FEM GP Verification. Statement in 15 short months!
  • Integrated Capstone Research Project
    • Conduct original, IRB-approved, research at one of your supervised practice locations.
    • Guidance from the Capstone Project Coordinator, faculty mentor, and site preceptors.
    • Prepare to publish or present your findings on a professional platform.
  • We are now accepting applications for the May 2024 cohort!
    • The application deadline for the first admission round is January 15, 2024.
    • January 15 applicants will receive an acceptance decision by February 5, 2024.
    • After January 15, you may still apply. If enrollment seats remain open, applications will be reviewed with a rolling deadline until the program is full or until May 1, 2024.
    • Read our Applicant Handbook for application instructions for applicants with a DPD verification statement, without a DPD verification statement, with a Dietetic Internship verification statement or RD credential, and Southeast students interested in our Pre-Select option
  • Southeast students accepted into the DPD program may apply through our Pre-Select process anytime!

Applied Nutrition Application and Course Information

Students can only apply for summer admission to the program.  

In addition to the criteria established for general admission to graduate studies, applicants must have the following: 

  1. A baccalaureate or advanced degree from a regionally accredited college or university or a foreign degree evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree 
  2. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 
  3. A verification statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) accredited by Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) or completed list of approved DPD equivalent courses approved by program director 
  4. Evidence the applicant has accumulated a minimum of 750 hours experience from any combination of the following: 
    • Volunteer experience (unaffiliated with course requirements) 
    • Paid work experience 
    • Collegiate athletics 
    • Student organizations 
    • Leadership experiences 
    • Other extracurricular experiences 
    • Completed these application requirements

For students who have already completed a Dietetic Internship or are already credentialed as Registered Dietitians, the online graduate degree is available without the supervised learning component. Previously credentialed students can complete the degree in 34 credit hours or less.
  • DI graduates only need to submit a verification statement or proof of RD credentials, transcripts, resume, and three references to apply.
  • Field experience courses are waived for DI graduates or RDN’s. Some applicants may qualify for other prior learning credit. Ask Program Directors for more information.

Required courses

  • FN600 Advanced Application of Medical Nutrition Therapy (3) 
  • FN607 Food Science and Technology (3) 
  • FN610 Strategic Management of Food Service Operations (3) 
  • FN611 Foundations in Dietetics Practice (3) 
  • FN615 Culinary Nutrition (3) 
  • FN617 Applied Statistics in Health Sciences (3) 
  • FN619 Metabolic Considerations in Performance and Wellness Nutrition (3) 
  • FN620 Community Nutrition Programming: Advanced Concepts and Application (3) 
  • FN622 Nutrition Counseling and Education: Advanced Concepts and Application (3) 
  • FN624 Research Methodology (3) 
  • FN628 Applied Nutrition Field Experience I (1) 
  • FN629 Applied Nutrition Field Experience II (1) 
  • FN645 Capstone Project in Applied Nutrition (1) 
  • FN650 Professional Skills and Emerging Trends in Dietetics Practice (3) 

Choose one with advice of program coordinator:

  • GR698 Master’s Final Comprehensive Examination (0) 
  • GR699 Master’s Oral Examination (0) 

Recommended Sequence of Required Course Work  

Because of the intensive workload for this program, all courses must be completed in order in rotation with the cohort.  

  • For students who need the FEM Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics verification statement, the total program cost for tuition and program fees is $15,642. That includes 36 credit hours at $409.50 per credit hour, a $100 course fee for GR698, and program fees at $800.
  • For students who are only completing the MSAN degree program without field experience and do not need the Graduate Program verification statement, the total cost for tuition will vary depending on the number of courses you will take. Please email msan@semo.edu for an estimate. The general cost is $409.50 per credit hour.
  • Please read the Applicant Handbook for instructions for all types of applicants, instructions for students who are locating student-identified sites, a program calendar and timeline, program completion requirements, estimated costs, and fees, instructions for obtaining prior learning credit, and the program’s mission, goals, and objectives

The mission of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition is to provide integrated innovative graduate coursework and experiential learning to prepare high-quality Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who utilize evidenced-based practice and professional skills in the dynamic world of food, nutrition, and health throughout the region and beyond.

Program Goals

  • Goal 1: Program graduates will demonstrate evidence-based practice and professional skills expected of an entry-level dietitian.
    • Objective 1: At least 80% of employer evaluations indicate graduates demonstrate evidence-based practice expected of an entry-level dietitian or entry-level practitioner in a comparable position. 
    • Objective 2: At least 80% of employer evaluations indicate graduates demonstrate the professional skills expected of an entry-level dietitian or entry-level practitioner in a comparable position. 
  • Goal 2: Program graduates will demonstrate competence to practice as entry-level dietitians in administrative, clinical and community dietetics.
    • Objective 1: At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 2 years (150% of the program length)
    • Objective 2: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation
    • Objective 3: At least 80 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion
    • Objective 4: The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%
    • Objective 5: At least 80% of employer evaluations rate graduates as above or equal to the performance level expected of an entry-level registered dietitian or entry-level practitioner in a comparable position
Program outcomes data are available on request.

The MSAN program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) as a Future Education Model Graduate Program. 

Email: ACEND@eatright.org 
Phone: (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400 
Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza / Suite 2190 / Chicago, IL 60606-6995 

ACEND accreditation overview 

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited FEM-Graduate MS Applied Nutrition program at Southeast Missouri State University are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Visit CDR's website for more information. 

More information about educational pathways to become an RDN. 

College of Education, Health and Human Studies

This degree is housed within the College of Education, Health and Human Studies. The college boasts programs that train students in mind, body, and soul. So, whether you want to teach, to care, to support, or to fix, we have a program to get you there.

Nutrition Instructor in the Department of Allied Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Sciences

"This program is intense, flexible, practical, and rewarding. In 15 months, you’ll earn a master’s degree in Applied Nutrition, complete over 1000 hours of experiential learning activities, complete a customizable capstone research project, and earn the verification statement required to attempt the Registration Examination for Dietitians. This program provides an opportunity to apply the skills you have learned from your undergraduate and graduate coursework in real situations under the supervision of outstanding preceptors."

Joel Ramdial, EdD, RD, LD

Headshot of Joel Ramdial, MA, RD, LD.

Online Learning at Southeast

When it comes to your success, we do whatever it takes. Online learning at Southeast takes the same reputable college courses taught by Southeast faculty and makes them available anytime, anywhere.

Become a Redhawk.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

Accreditations

  • Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) Logo

Questions?

Instructor, Program Director - Nutrition
Allied Health, Kinesiology, & Sport Sciences
Social
Location
Scully 101A
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 7650
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Phone
Advising
(573) 651-5184
Location
Office Location
Kent Library 305
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 4610
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

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